QBs expected to dominate NFL Draft, Jaguars land opening pick

AS THE 2021 NFL Draft fast approaches, teams from across the league are eager to capitalize on the star-studded lineup of rookie players. This year’s draft runs from April 29 through May 1. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the coveted first pick of the draft, one that has yielded promising players such as Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield in recent years. The New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals round out the top five selections.

Most projections have Trevor Lawrence as the obvious choice for the Jaguars’ top pick. The star quarterback (QB) arrived at Clemson University in 2018 as one of the most highly-ranked recruits in college football history before winning a national championship during his freshman season, the first QB to do so since 1985. Lawrence excelled during his time at Clemson, making three national championship appearances and only losing two games during his entire tenure as Clemson’s starting QB.

But great debate exists among football analysts as to where the draft goes from there, especially in a year filled with highly-skilled QBs, dubbed by some as the “year of the quarterback.”

Many analysts have Brigham Young University (BYU) QB Zach Wilson, Ohio State University QB Justin Fields, University of Alabama QB Mac Jones and Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver (WR) Ja’Marr Chase rounding out the top five picks.

Prior to entering the draft, Wilson had a breakout season at BYU, passing for a seemingly unbelievable 33:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio his junior season. With a projected second pick in the draft, many see him as a strong candidate to replace departed Jets QB Sam Darnold. Fields and Jones are known for their versatility as passers, with arm strength and accuracy being a must for the struggling NFL teams that hold the earliest picks in the draft. Both also boast considerable body size that makes them strong physical presences on the field, drawing comparisons to star Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and New England Patriots QB Cam Newton.

According to various draft projections, WR Ja’Marr Chase is the only non-QB to break the top five, even though he took the most recent college football season off to focus on training for the NFL Draft. During his time at LSU, Chase was the primary passing target of Joe Burrow, the star QB who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Yet the top-five picks may not be as straightforward as some analysts project. Many other institutions also boast star players, such as University of Oregon (UO) tackle Penei Sewell, University of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, University of Alabama WR Devonta Smith and North Dakota State University QB Trey Lance also going in the top five.

Sewell, though he has struggled with injuries during his time at the UO, is sure to tempt teams holding a top-five pick, especially with his size and skill as a pass-blocker, something teams like the Bengals desperately need. Pitts broke into the national spotlight during the University of Florida Pro Day, a time when players who have declared for the draft work out in front of NFL scouts. Many were in awe of Pitts’ size, strength and power, drawing comparisons to legendary Patriots and Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski. However, Smith, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, and Lance are unlikely to break the top five due to other competitive draft prospects that are slightly better value for teams holding a top-five pick.

Possible sleeper picks with an increasing draft stock include Penn State University linebacker Micah Parsons, Florida State University cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and University of Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman, who could surge into the first rounds despite some contrary projections. Many note the athleticism and long-term potential of Parsons, Bateman and Samuel Jr. as reasons for the possible surge.

The 2021 NFL Draft will be airing on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The NFL has announced that the draft will be held fully in-person in Cleveland, Ohio, with fans invited to attend the Draft Experience theme park. The park will feature interactive exhibits, concessions and a full-service bar, pro shops and even football-themed carnival games.